First name I want mention is linebacker Cody Simon. Not a guy that many people are talking about---but Cody has consistently graded out right near the top of the written exams--and is moving up the charts physically as one of the most physically imposing and strongest guys on the OSU team right now. Hard to not have this guy catch your eye when you watch practice. A physical specimen that is showing a knowledge of the game that matches his god given gifts. I think he may surprise a lot of people this season. Expect him to be at least a top special teams performer--but it wouldn't shock me to see him emerge as one of the key answers in the linebacker question marks that are surrounding the OSU team this year. In a room with ZERO career returning starts, it is as wide open as wide open could ever be. Literally the opposite of the next room in this Nugget:
The Wide Recievers...
Simply W.O.W....
My second name that is worthy of note is Kamryn Babb. Kamryn is one of those guys that is seemingly forgotten by a lot of folks---as the wide receiver talent is just ridiculous right now. But Kamryn has quietly put in a magnificent off season and is poised to have one of those breakout seasons that no one could have imagined. Been battling injuries for a while, but now is completely healthy and is standing out in a crowded group of talented wide outs. Don't be surprised to hear more about Kamryn in the weeks to come. It will be an absolute boon to be the #3 WR this year, as you’ll never get any attention from opposing defenses who have to worry about Wilson/Olave. It is Kam’s time to eat, but man this is the most competitive battle for playing time maybe in Ohio State history (talking that #3 WR spot). Will be simply fascinating to see who breaks the huddle week one as the H slot receiver....
Third name is Dawand Jones. Dawand is noticeably slimmer and quicker this season--with no apparent loss of strength. The OSU coaches fought hard to make sure he didn't leave the team this winter and Dawand seems to be embracing the fact that he may see significant minutes on the field this year at guard---while waiting for his moment to play more at tackle. A very versatile performer that--when combined with Thayer, Johnson, Jones and NPF just creates a MASSIVE offensive line for Ohio State. Very excited to see more of him this season---always been a fan favorite, but now he will get the chance to play and really make himself and NFL prospect. The Florida Gator smoke was very very very real last December, and was all due to Thayer’s surprising decision to exercise his “free year of eligibility” due to COVID. Dawand has absolutely enormous upside and just really really needs to stay engaged and buy in to being a mammoth guard after having Left Tackle on his mind all last year. Put him inside with Paris, Matt Jone/Harry Miller, etc and it’ll be time to mash. Paris Johnson has even practiced snapping this offseason to enhance his versatility (Paris Pouncey anyone LOL). Matt Jones missed Friday’s work and Harry Miller will miss most if not all of spring recovering from surgery, so PJ might actually get real reps at C in an effort to get the “best 5 on the field”. LeCharles Bentley came in as a freshman in 1998 and was the backup at LT, then shifted to OG/OC and he turned out pretty damn good. Paris is a rare rare kid who is as unselfish as he is massively talented. Excited to see him on the inside...
Fourth name is Lathan Ransom. One of my favorite kids on the team last season. He is back this year and has added size and strength. Can play anywhere in the defensive backfield and can be a key part of the answer to the question "how does OSU get better in pass defense in 2021?" Super smart kid who puts the time in the film room and the class room--and it shows. Totally conversant on the OSU scheme and is almost like having another coach on the field when he is out there. Losing Hooker to suspension is no bueno, but a silver lining is the coaching staff can’t keep Ransom off the field as much as they did last year (which was MYSTIFYING to some of the smartest people in the WHAC). I expect HUGE things from Lathan this season. Could even be in that rare Malik Hooker territory in terms of making a MASSIVE jump...
Fifth name is Taron Vincent--veteran guy who can be a key contributor this season. Taking a ton of reps at the three technique with Haskell out this spring. Super intelligent kid who really understands what OSU is trying to accomplish defensively. Also was one of the top performers this winter in the weight room and looks to be in tremendous shape. Defensive line depth will be a key this year---and OSU believes 100% this will be a team strength---so Taron is going to play and play a lot. He HAS to learn to play the 1-tech nose guard spot with Haskell coming back. I think it is his contract year, and it is time to live up to the recruiting billing. One of my early favorites for breakout star for sure--which is tough on the D line....
Saved the best for last---and I know its super early to be making a proclamation like this--but CJ Stroud is the real deal. I love McCord. I love Miller. But CJ is just different level talent in my opinion. Physically he just does everything a little better than the other guys. Mentally he is just advanced and mature for his age. One practice in? I'm saying CJ will be the winner of this QB derby--and will be one of the dark horse favorites to win the Heisman Trophy this season. High praise--and I may live to regret calling this so early--but I pretty sure I will be proven correct on this one....
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